Why Little Jiuzhaigou Is the Perfect Alternative to Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou is one of the most famous natural wonders in China — turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and colorful forests. But here’s the truth: it’s far.
Even after taking the high-speed train, you still need to sit on a bus for another 3 hours to reach the scenic area. The round trip can easily take 10 hours.
If you want to enjoy similar beauty without the long ride and crowds, Songpan’s Muni Valley (牟尼沟) — also known as Little Jiuzhaigou — is the perfect choice.
Just 1.5 hours by high-speed train from Chengdu, it offers crystal-clear lakes, stunning waterfalls, and peaceful forests. Plus, it’s cheaper, quieter, and more relaxing — and yes, you can even walk into the water here, something you can’t do in Jiuzhaigou!
Top Attractions in Muni Valley
1. Zhaga Waterfall (扎嘎瀑布)
Ticket: ¥70 (or ¥100 with the Two Lakes combo)
Highlights: Known as the largest calcified waterfall in Asia, Zhaga Waterfall cascades down three terraces. On sunny days, you can often spot a rainbow in the mist.
The roaring sound of water echoes through the valley — it’s powerful and refreshing. The area is easy to walk and perfect for families with kids.
> 💡 Tip: Bring a light jacket — the waterfall area is cool and misty even in summer.
2. Erdao Lake (二道海)
Hidden deep in the forest, Erdao Lake features a chain of 37 crystal-clear lakes, linked like a necklace of blue gemstones. The reflections of the mountains and trees create a picture-perfect view.
This is a peaceful hiking area with wooden boardwalks through ancient pine forests. You might even spot squirrels and yaks along the way!
> 🌳 Tip: This area is quieter than Zhaga Waterfall — a great spot to take photos and simply breathe in the mountain air.
3. Songpan Ancient Town (松潘古城)
After exploring nature, stop by Songpan Ancient Town, a historic fortress city with over 2,300 years of history. It was once an important trading hub between Tibet and Sichuan.
The massive South Gate (Yanxunmen) is one of the largest preserved city gates in China.
The town is full of small restaurants selling yak meat skewers (¥1 each), yak yogurt (¥5), and yak hotpot — delicious, affordable, and authentic.
> 🍲 Stay here overnight — accommodation is convenient, and you’ll find plenty of local snacks and souvenirs.
Recommended Route
Songpan Station → Erdao Lake (3 hrs) → Zhaga Waterfall (1 hr) → Songpan Ancient Town
You can take:
🚌 Public Tourist Bus: ¥40 per person, stops at all attractions (but seats are limited and often crowded in peak season).
🚗 Private Car / Shared Car: Around ¥200 per car (up to 4 people). This option gives you flexibility and comfort — highly recommended for a smooth trip.
Travel Tips
🚫 No food available inside Muni Valley or Erdao Lake — bring your own snacks and water.
🏔️ Some areas are at high altitude — take it slow and prevent altitude sickness.
☀️ Weather changes fast. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, and a hat.
👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes — expect long paths and some steep sections.
📸 Visit on sunny days to capture the bright turquoise “glass lakes.”
Why You’ll Love Little Jiuzhaigou
If you dream of exploring Jiuzhaigou’s fairy-tale scenery but want to avoid the long travel hours, Muni Valley in Songpan is your best choice.
Here, you’ll find forests, lakes, waterfalls, and meadows — all within easy reach from Chengdu.
It’s less crowded, more affordable, and just as beautiful.
> ✨ Just 1.5 hours from Chengdu by high-speed train — why not discover this hidden gem for yourself?
